Low Profile Constant Force Linear Brake Assembly for Aircraft Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake mechanisms for aircraft cabin seats are heavy and inefficiently utilize limited space, failing to effectively lock the seat in a desired direction.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly comprising a carriage, lever with a ramp, and shaft, where the carriage rides along the ramp and is constrained to move perpendicular to the shaft, utilizing a spring to generate a force that locks or unlocks the seat by extending or retracting the shaft, allowing for efficient rotation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brake mechanisms are used, then the seat can be locked in a desired direction, but the mechanism becomes heavy and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is divided into functionally independent modules: a carriage that travels along a rail, a ratchet mechanism for one-way locking, a spring for constant force application, and a lever for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex conventional mechanisms, retaining only the critical elements (ratchet teeth, pawl, spring) needed for reliable one-way locking. Non-essential components are removed, significantly reducing the brake mechanism's weight and size.
2Reliability
If conventional brake mechanisms are used, then the seat can be locked, but the mechanism makes poor use of limited space within the seat
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested within each other to minimize space occupation. The spring is positioned within the carriage structure, the ratchet mechanism is integrated into the rail assembly, and the pawl is contained within the carriage housing. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall footprint of the brake mechanism within the limited seat space.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension along the rail rather than only horizontal space. The carriage travels along the vertical rail, and the ratchet teeth are arranged vertically, allowing the locking mechanism to occupy minimal horizontal area while providing full locking functionality within the seat's limited volume.
3Ease of operation
If a spring force is applied to the lever, then the shaft extends to unlock the seat, but the motive force must overcome the spring force during translation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed and stored within the carriage before actuation. When the lever is activated, the pre-stored spring force immediately engages to extend the shaft and disengage the locking mechanism. This preliminary preparation of the spring eliminates the need for continuous high motive force during the unlocking process, reducing the peak force requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism operates through distinct periodic phases: a brief actuation phase where the lever is moved to trigger unlocking, followed by a constant-force phase where the spring maintains the unlocked position, and finally a locking phase where the ratchet engages. This periodic operation allows the system to use minimal force during actuation while maintaining reliable locking during the stationary phases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, space-efficient mechanism that effectively locks or unlocks the seat pan with respect to the pedestal, allowing for precise control of rotation while withstanding extreme loads, such as crash conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be disposed about the shaft which is compressed in response to the movement of the lever and the extension of the shaft, tending to generate a spring force. The spring force acts upon the lever tending to return the lever from the unlocked state to the locked state
Implementation Method 2
The carriage may be disposed within a housing and may translate along the ramp in response to a motive force
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a brake assembly for aircraft cabin fixtures. A brake assembly includes a carriage (202), a lever (204) having a ramp (205), a shaft (208), and a pivot (210), wherein the lever is coupled to the pivot, wherein the shaft is coupled to the lever, and wherein the carriage is configured to ride along the ramp. A brake assembly may comprise a spring (308) in communication with the lever. The shaft may comprise a first end (218) and a brake plate (220) coupled at the first end. The ramp may comprise a slot. A brake assembly may comprise an actuation lever coupled to the carriage.